[Nuriho 4th Launch] Nuriho Successfully Erected on Launch Pad... Preparations for Fourth Launch Progressing Smoothly

The Korean launch vehicle Nuriho was successfully erected and secured on the second launch pad at the Naro Space Center on the 25th, marking the start of full-scale preparations for its fourth launch.

The Space Agency and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute announced that the process of erecting and securing Nuriho on the launch pad at Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, was completed at 1:36 p.m. on this day. This is a key step for the fourth launch, scheduled for the early morning of the 27th. Following this, umbilical connections for propellant supply and various airtightness inspections will take place.

Nuriho, which will head to space on the 27th, stands tall on the launch pad at Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do on the 25th. Provided by the Space Agency

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Originally, Nuriho was scheduled to be transported to the launch pad at 7:40 a.m., but the plan was delayed by about 1 hour and 20 minutes due to a rain forecast issued around 8 a.m. Ultimately, at 9 a.m., Nuriho, loaded onto a transporter (an unmanned special vehicle), departed from the assembly building and slowly traveled approximately 1.8 kilometers over the course of 1 hour and 42 minutes to the launch pad.

Upon arrival, Nuriho was raised vertically using the device known as the "erector," and the lower section was secured with four ground hold-down devices (VHD). These devices are designed to release the rocket at the precise moment when engine thrust reaches its maximum just before launch.

The Space Agency stated, "The erection and securing of Nuriho have now been completed, and we will proceed with preparations such as connecting power, preparing for propellant (fuel and oxidizer) supply, and conducting attitude control system and airtightness checks."

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute mentioned that the schedule may change depending on weather conditions, but emphasized, "Since the launch time is set for the early morning of the 27th, we have sufficient time to complete all necessary procedures by tomorrow morning." If all planned tasks cannot be completed today, additional work will be carried out tomorrow morning to ensure smooth launch operations.

The Space Agency will convene a Launch Management Committee on the afternoon of the 26th to make a final decision on whether to fill the propellant. In addition, the final launch time will be determined after comprehensively considering technical readiness, the launch window, weather, and the possibility of collisions with space objects. Overall, the fourth flight of Nuriho is progressing smoothly without major issues, except for potential weather variables.

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